Territorial cohesion

Since 1986, the objective of cohesion policy has been to strengthen economic and social cohesion. The Lisbon Treaty and the EU's new high-level strategy (Europe 2020) introduce a third dimension: territorial cohesion.

Additional tools

This topic has been under discussion since the early 1990's, and with each new country that joins the EU, the need to pay attention to the evolution of the European territory becomes more acute.

Main issues

How can we:

capitalise on the strengths of each territory so they can best contribute to the sustainable and balanced development of the EU as a whole?

manage concentration? Cities have both positive and negative impacts - intensifying innovation and productivity at the same time as pollution and social exclusion.

better connect territories? People should be able to live wherever they want, with access to public services, efficient transport, reliable energy networks and broadband internet throughout the territory.

The Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion (2008) launched a wide consultation process which continues today with regular gatherings of experts from all over Europe. Territorial cohesion will be an integral part of cohesion policy from 2013.

How could cohesion policy improve territorial cohesion in future?

by promoting a functional approach to integrated development of territories as spaces where citizens live their lives

by fostering place-based policies through cross-sectoral coordination of policies and multi-level governance from local to European

by encouraging cooperation between territories to strengthen European integration

by improving knowledge of territories, to guide their development

Background documents

European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP)

Territorial Agenda of the EU. Towards a more competitive and sustainable Europe of diverse regions, 25 May 2007

First Action Programme for the Implementation of the Territorial Agenda of the European Union, 23 November 2007 - Annex

Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion, the way ahead, Panorama Magazine, December 2008

Sixth progress report on economic and social cohesion

Territorial Cohesion under the Looking Glass - Synthesis paper

"Territorial cohesion: unleashing the territorial potential" Background Document to the Conference on Cohesion Policy and Territorial Development: Make Use of the Territorial Potential! 10-11 December 2009, Kiruna, Sweden

The territorial State and Perspectives of the European Union, 2011 update

Territorial Agenda of the European Union 2020

Background paper : "How to strengthen the territorial dimension of 'Europe 2020' and EU Cohesion Policy based on the Territorial Agenda 2020"

Territorial Agenda 2020 put in practice - Enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Cohesion Policy by a place-based approach